ISLAMABAD - The 6th Vacuum and Surface Sciences Conference of Asia & Australia commonly known as VASSCAA-6 began Tuesday here at Pak-China Friendship Centre. Federal Minister for Science & Technology, Mir Changez Khan Jamali inaugurated the event. Significant number of scientists and engineers from 30 countries including America, Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Russia, Kazakhstan, Argentina, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Austria and Saudi Arabia etc. in addition to 250 delegates from various educational and R&D institutions from Pakistan, are participating in this conference.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the Minister said, “The world around us is changing in a way one could not have imagined a decade ago. The developing countries are faced with challenges of achieving self-reliance and economic prosperity through applications of science and technology. Pakistan is a developing country; rich in ideal and matchless natural resources. We also have the best-trained manpower and world renowned scientists and engineers. With these resources, I am optimistic that we are moving ahead in utilising our resources and exploiting our talent.”
While referring the energy crisis he added that “Energy is an important aspect in the development of any nation. In view of the rising energy demand and reducing sources of conventional energy, energy conservation, management and applications of non-conventional energy sources become imperative not only for sustainable future but also for the environment.
Most of the developing countries are situated in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They are lucky to have abundant supply of solar and wind energies. The planet earth is fast making progress in these fields, and scientists and engineers are utilising it for various applications.”
He also appreciated the efforts and endeavours put in by Pakistan Vacuum Society for the promotion of vacuum sciences in the country. He said that “I am highly impressed to note that Pakistan Vacuum Society has made a tremendous breakthrough by organizing the Conference of VASSCAA series in Pakistan. I congratulate the Society for their untiring efforts and wish them every success in future endeavors.”
At this occasion, Prof Dr JJ Pireaux, President of International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Applications, Dr Mariano Anderle, President-Elect, IUVSTA, Dr. Peter Verga, Head of Surface Science Division IUVSTA; Dr Tatsuo Okano, President of VASSCAA also addressed and briefed about the main objectives as well as the history of VASSCAA. They also admired Pakistan Vacuum Society and the role of its Members for their contribution towards this important field of Science & Technology.
The Secretary of the Conference, Dr Javaid Ahsan Bhatti informed the audience about the details of the technical sessions and the short courses arranged during the Conference. He informed that an Exhibition has also been arranged for the display of vacuum equipment and its related fields at the same avenue.
In his welcome note, MK Aijazi, the President of PVS thanked the researches and participants particularly our guests from abroad as well as the exhibitors for participating in this mega event.
After the opening ceremony, the Minister inaugurated the Industrial Exhibition and visited the stalls and showed his interest in the equipment displayed at different stalls.